The Second Session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod begins from 2nd– 27th of October.  The Synod is a time of prayer, “it is not a convention,” but an “ecclesial assembly that prays,” a time for listening to the Word of God and the Spirit, and an opportunity to implore forgiveness from God for the Church’s sins. Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the General Secretariat of the Synod, presented the second session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which will be held in Rome from October 2 to 27.

A new feature will be four theological-pastoral fora, which will be open to all, including accredited journalists. Two fora will take place on October 9, one on “The People of God, Subject of Mission” at the Jesuit Curia Hall, and the other on “The Role and Authority of the Bishop in a Synodal Church” at the Augustinianum. An ecumenical prayer service will also be held on the evening of October 11 in the Vatican at Protomartyrs Square, where tradition holds that St Peter was martyred. This date marks the 62nd anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. Finally, on October 21, there will be another day of spiritual retreat in preparation for discernment on the draft final document.

Cardinal Hollerich explained that the number of participants in this second session is similar to that of the first, with 368 voting members, including 272 bishops and 96 non-bishops. There have been 26 changes, mainly substitutions. There are 8 Special invitees, while the number of fraternal delegates has increased from 12 to 16, reflecting the growing interest of sister Churches in the synodal journey.